John Locke Competition Bootcamp 2026

Program Overview

This intensive preparation program is designed for middle and high school students (Grades 8–11) who plan to compete in the John Locke Essay Competition, one of the most prestigious international academic essay contests for secondary students.

The program combines small-group instruction with personalized 1:1 essay mentoring, helping students develop sophisticated arguments, sharpen critical thinking, and produce competition-ready essays that stand out to judges.

Group Class + 1:1 Essay Mentorship

 The group class is the foundation of the program. In a collaborative, discussion-driven environment, students will:

• Learn how to interpret complex philosophical and social questions

• Study winning essay structures and judge expectations

• Practice building strong theses and counterarguments

• Participate in guided discussions to refine ideas and perspectives

4 hours of Group Class (online)

• Dates: February 21 – March 14, 2026

• Class Time: Saturdays, 3:00–4:00 PM (PST)

• Small Groups: 5-10 Students

6 hours of 1:1 Essay Mentorship (online)

Each student receives six hours of private, one-on-one essay coaching, tailored to their chosen John Locke prompt and writing goals. 1:1 meetings are scheduled based on student availability. During these sessions, instructors will:

• Refine essay topics and research directions

• Provide detailed feedback on drafts

• Strengthen argument logic and clarity

• Improve academic writing style and structure

• Prepare the final submission before the competition deadline
  
  

About the John Locke Essay Competition

The John Locke Essay Competition challenges students to engage deeply with complex questions in philosophy, politics, economics, history, psychology, theology, and law. Known for its academic rigor and global reach, the competition rewards:

• Original thinking and intellectual independence

• Clear, logical argumentation

• Strong use of evidence and philosophical reasoning

• Academic writing at a university-level standard

High-performing students gain international recognition, strong portfolio pieces, and valuable preparation for advanced humanities coursework and selective university admissions.

This program is specifically structured to guide students through idea development, argument construction, and essay refinement—the exact skills the John Locke judges look for.